Morocco's Tourism Sector Shows Resilience Amid Global Challenges
According to industry stakeholders and experts, the year 2026 is proving to be a pivotal moment for Morocco's tourism sector, as positive growth figures emerge from the first quarter. The Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts, Social and Solidarity Economy, led by Minister Fatima Zahra Ammor, announced that Morocco welcomed approximately 4.3 million tourists in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 7% increase compared to the same period last year.
This growth underscores the robust dynamics within the tourism industry, buoyed by improved air connectivity, diversification of source markets, and enhanced tourism offerings, particularly in March, which demonstrated strong performance. Expert Zouhair Bouhout noted that the tourism sector experienced a significant surge at the beginning of the year, with January and February witnessing an increase exceeding 20%. This uptick coincided with a favorable environment and a continuation of the growth trajectory established in previous periods, resulting in promising indicators for the sector.
As March arrived, however, Bouhout observed a decline in cumulative growth rates, stabilizing at +7%. This downturn reflects a sharp decline in March's performance compared to last year, suggesting a regression in numbers for this month, despite a strong start. The expert attributed this slowdown to international factors, primarily the repercussions of ongoing global conflicts that have affected air travel and travel costs. While Morocco remains a stable and safe destination, external influences do not operate in isolation; they are subject to fluctuations in global markets and transportation costs.
Bouhout further pointed to rising fuel prices, particularly aviation fuel, as a contributing factor to increased airfare, compounded by inflation reducing tourists' purchasing power. He concluded that while these challenges may not deter tourists from visiting, they will likely lead to shorter stays and reduced spending per tourist.
Looking ahead, Bouhout anticipates a moderate recovery in the sector with growth expected to hover between 5% and 6%, considering that achieving a cumulative increase of around 10% by the end of the coming months would be a positive outcome given the ongoing structural and temporary crises.
Soufiane Bachar, President of the Regional Association of Hotel Industry in the Draa-Tafilalet region and a member of the National Federation of Hotel Industry, commented on the significant tourism boom observed in the region, evidenced by rising numbers and an observable increase in demand. He highlighted that collaborative efforts between the regional authority and industry professionals have addressed issues surrounding the informal sector, leading to a greater inclusion of previously unregistered tourism units into official statistics. As a result, the region now boasts approximately 9,000 beds, with 7,000 in campsites and 2,000 that were previously unclassified, thereby revealing a more accurate picture of the tourism activity in the area, comparable to major national destinations like Marrakech and Agadir.
As reported by hespress.com.
